*The Nigerian Senate officially suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, in Kogi State, from participating in all legislative activities for six months with far-reaching conditions over misconduct, and disrespect for rules of the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly, Abuja

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Senate Thursday, March 6, 2025, officially suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, in Kogi State, from participation in all legislative activities for six months over misconduct, and “gross violation” of the standing rules of the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, FCT.

绿帽献妻 reports the decision of the Senate, also known as the Red Chamber, followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions that found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of misconduct, and failure to appear before the Committee to hear her side of the altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The suspension resulted from an allegation of sexual harassment that the Kogi Central Senator had levelled against Akpabio.

 

 

The Senator Thursday evening, however, described her suspension from legislative activities for the next six months as “unjust”.

Earlier, in one of her shouting matches in the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan pointedly accused the Senate President of obstructing her legislative motions, particularly those concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company, located in her home state.

She equally alleged that Akpabio once referred to her as a 鈥渘ightclub girl鈥� during a Senate session, a remark for which he openly clarified, and later apologised.

The Senate鈥檚 decision Thursday is said to have marked a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan鈥檚 allegations against Senator Akpabio.

The Senate President, Wednesday, March 5 had Akpabio vehemently denied any misconduct.

He also emphasised his respect for women, while refuting Natasha’s claims as unfounded.

Conditions attached to Natasha’s suspension from Senate

Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, who presented the Committee鈥檚 report during Thursday鈥檚 plenary, said that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of all allegations due to her non-compliance with the Committee鈥檚 proceedings.

The Committee also recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn during the six-month suspension period.

It is also recommended that her office should be locked up, while the security officials should ensure that she should not be seen within the National Assembly premises during her period of suspension.

Besides her suspension, the Senate Committee further urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal apology to the Red Chamber for her indecorous and disrespect actions to the West African country’s legislative institution.

Appeal for 鈥榮oft-landing鈥� for Senator Natasha before聽 suspension

Speaking on the burning national issue after Imaseun’s presentation of the Committee’s report to the Senators Thursday, Senator Abba Moro, pleaded for leniency, and a possible reduction in the recommended six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Moro, in a calm and persuasive submission, said: 鈥淲e plead that while implementing these recommendations, which are likely to be approved by the Senate, the 6-month suspension for Senator Natasha is reduced to three months, if convenient for the Senate and Mr. President. “Three months is sufficient for some level of restitution.鈥�

However, the Senate eventually approved the recommendations of the Imaseun-led Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for Natasha to proceed on six-month suspension from legislative activities with the attached conditions.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reacts to her suspension

Reacting to her suspension from the Nigerian Senate for six months, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, under the name, ‘Natasha H Akpoti’, in a post on her verified social media platform Thursday, however, described the development as “unjust”.
She wrote: “Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.”

The Kogi Central Senator also stated: “The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly-elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 鈥� and beyond.”

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